Proctor, DeMeuse lead Chiefs to sweep

The Cheboygan hitting was much improved on Tuesday, as the Chiefs connected for a total of 11 hits in the opener. Leading the way was sophomore Nate Stempky, who had three hits and an RBI, while senior Stan Swiderek connected for two hits, scored two runs and added an RBI. Proctor (double), Zach Schley, Dan Lemmon, Josh Stempky, Zach Socha and Chris DeMeuse all notched a hit apiece for Cheboygan in the victory.

CHEBOYGAN — While the Cheboygan baseball team struggled with walking batters against Petoskey on Monday, they rebounded with solid pitching in sweeping a doubleheader against St. Ignace (14-0, 5-0) on Tuesday.

The Chiefs continued their strong early season by improving to 5-1-1 following their first loss in a 3-2 defeat against Petoskey on a rainy Monday afternoon.

Cheboygan got an impressive showing from senior ace Damon Proctor, who picked up the win on the mound, striking 11 Saints' batters, surrendering just two hits and giving up no walks in five innings pitched.

"I thought Damon pitched well and we also had a very solid defensive team behind Damon today," Cheboygan coach Kevin Baller said of Tuesday's Game 1 victory. "We struggled with walking batters on Monday, but Damon really put the ball in the strike zone. When you walk zero batters and have solid stuff on the mound, you're usually going to come up with victories, and Damon was able to throw really well in that first game."

The Cheboygan hitting was much improved on Tuesday, as the Chiefs connected for a total of 11 hits in the opener. Leading the way was sophomore Nate Stempky, who had three hits and an RBI, while senior Stan Swiderek connected for two hits, scored two runs and added an RBI. Proctor (double), Zach Schley, Dan Lemmon, Josh Stempky, Zach Socha and Chris DeMeuse all notched a hit apiece for Cheboygan in the victory.

"I thought we hit the ball really well," Baller added. "We were able to attack balls in the strike zone and hit them well. As a team, we were very solid from the plate in the first game."

DeMeuse (no runs, hit, six walks) pitched 4 1/3 scoreless innings to earn the win for Cheboygan in Game 2. Proctor also pitched in the contest, compiling three strikeouts, and giving up no hits and no runs.

The Chiefs' bats were somewhat quiet in the second game, connecting for just three hits—two coming from Nate Stempky and one coming from Schley.

"We didn't have many hits in the second game, but we were happy to be able to get some runs," Baller said. "It's nice to get a sweep over St. Ignace, especially when they're an in-conference opponent. We're very happy with the victories we got today."

Cheboygan will travel to Gaylord for a doubleheader on Thursday starting at 4:15 p.m. The team will also compete in a tournament in Grand Rapids on Saturday.

While the Chiefs are off to a solid start, Baller knows the schedule is only going to get tougher.

"It's nice to get off to a good start, but we've got some tough opponents coming up, starting with Gaylord on Thursday," he said. "Going down to Grand Rapids to play won't be easier, either, so we'll need to be at our best over these next few days."